The Chatham Christian Flames are starting the OFSAA 'A' boys' volleyball championship in the same spot as last year, but they're hoping for a better finish.

The Flames are seeded 17th for the second straight year for the 20-team tournament that begins Thursday in Toronto.

They want to improve on last year's 0-4 record that left them out of the playoffs.

Unlike last year, the Flames now have OFSAA experience with four returning starters: setter Nate Koomans, power hitters Kaleb Reimer and Dean Koomans, and middle Nate Dam.

“It's good having that consistency and having so many people back, then adding a few into the mix with them,” said Richard Koomans, who coaches the Flames with Dale Lahey.

Right-side hitter Daniel Wall and middle Daniel Burggraaf are the other starters. Derek Bos is the libero and Will DeKoter shares playing time with Wall.

The Flames were young last year with just two Grade 12 players, and they're young again. Only Dam is in Grade 12.

The 10-man roster includes two Grade 10s and two Grade 9s.

With all but one player eligible to return, the Flames will be eyeing a third straight OFSAA trip next season.

“Since some of them got a taste of it, it's always a goal for them now,” Richard Koomans said.

Chatham Christian in a pool with No. 4 London Westminster, No. 7 Atikokan, No. 10 Brampton Christian and No. 13 Hamilton Mere-Theresa. The top two teams go to the championship playoffs and the next two go to the consolation playoffs.

The Flames defended their LKSSAA and SWOSSAA titles this year with a lineup that's solid in all areas, Richard Koomans said.

“They're well-rounded,” he said. “It's not like we're heavy, heavy on offence and not defence, or vice versa.”